Christmas caving and immersion in frigid subterranean waters
The Twelve Disciples of Tuesday gathered this week for our annual festive pilgrimage underground. Julian, Katie, John, Edvin, Chris (twice), Kat, Katie (also twice), Rob, Rich, Alan and Victoria assembled, while Jess met us in the car park armed with generous provisions to share. Sadly, her knee isn’t quite cave-ready yet—we missed you, Jess.
In the hotel car park, we donned our layers, lights, and seasonal sparkle, properly dressed and suitably bedazzled. Then off we went: wellies on, headtorches glowing, rubbish sacks at the ready. A few new pieces of graffiti greeted us at the entrance, and with a jump, a squeeze, and a collective shuffle, we were in.
Recent rainfall had transformed the cave into a gloriously drippy, muddy affair. We found a suitable rock table and laid out our Christmas fayre before heading off to explore. Time was taken to admire the historic graffiti—remarkably beautiful, really—and to reflect on it as an unusual but touching form of conservation: echoes of visitors past, names and moments preserved in stone.
We reached the staircase and descended to the wishing well, then regrouped—though one group clearly seemed to be enjoying themselves more than the other. Reunited, we lingered by a strikingly beautiful pool. I’m fairly certain Katie was the instigator… kit began to come off, and resistance proved futile.
Six of the twelve disciples took the plunge, immersing themselves in the icy subterranean waters. Brilliant, it was. We even discovered we could swim beneath the rock into a smaller pool beyond. With some enthusiastic filming and a fair amount of flailing, we braved the cold and confidently declared a new tradition born.
I, having come straight from work, had managed to layer my caving gear over my work clothes—too many layers, as it turns out—and somewhere in the depths I appear to have lost a purple sock. If anyone finds it, please let me know.
After some glass clean-up, we headed back to feast. Ginger, mulled wine, cheese, sausages, homemade treats and mince pies warmed us through. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and Christmas cheer flowed freely.
It was hard to leave the underground world, especially when the surface greeted us with a blustery three degrees. A truly excellent trip.